The SAIT connector lab is transforming student education with cutting-edge technology.
“The connector is an applied learning hub for SAIT students and faculty,” said Rick Duchscher, an instructor in the professional remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) program at SAIT. “We provide resources for student projects and assignments.”
Duchscher manages the connector lab.
The resources provided to students include 3D printers and scanners, VR and augmented reality headsets, audio and video equipment and, most excitingly, drones.
“We see a lot of different student groups utilize drones that you might not normally think would be a group that would use a drone,” said Duchscher, citing software development, film and video production and electrical engineering students as some of these groups.
Located in the Thomas Riley building, the connector houses a variety of drones. The drones range from micro and mini to larger construction and heavy-lift models, all with a wide range of capabilities.
Canada has one of the most advanced sets of drone regulations in the world, according to Duchscher.
“I think it’s appropriate — it does ensure a certain level of safety, but also allows for flexibility in different industries on how to fly these drones and where you can fly them,” he said.
The first drone-to-aircraft collision in North American history occurred in 2017, when a passenger airplane struck a drone over Jean-Lesage International Airport in Quebec City.
The Canadian government published new regulations in 2019 and proposed further regulations to come into effect next year.
According to Transport Canada, all drones over 250 grams need to be registered and insured. Operators of heavier drones must have a drone pilot certificate.
SAIT students can get fully licensed through a training course in the connector, which can take up to one year to complete.
“[The connector] allows for your knowledge to be applied in a way that you want to, and gives you all the tools to do it,” said Brody Larson, an electrical engineering student at SAIT.
Multiple clubs run out of the connector, including the SAIT fabrication and makerspace clubs.
In August, the SAIT Supernovas, a team of students who operate out of the connector, participated in the Canadian Reduced Gravity Experiment Design Challenge (CAN-RGX). The annual challenge tasks post-secondary students to design a piece of technology that could be used in space.
Duchscher encourages students interested in using equipment from the connector to set up a time to assess their needs.
“If they send an email to sait.connector@sait.ca we’d be happy to book a meeting with them,” he said.
